Method for Carrying Out an Electronic Transaction

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for carrying out an electronic transaction according to the following steps: Data exchange between a first network subscriber node (1) and a second network subscriber node (2) is carried out by a first terminal (1a) of the first network subscriber node (1) via a first communication network in order to determine transaction data of the transaction; an identification number of a second end device (1b) of the first network subscriber node (1) is inputted into a second communication network, which is different from the first, by means of a first network subscriber node (1) in the first terminal (1a) of the first network subscriber node (1); the identification number and the transaction data from first network subscriber nodes (1) are transmitted (S1,S2; S1′) to a third network subscriber node (3) by means of a third communication network; the validity of the identification number is verified (S3) by the third network subscriber nodes (3) and an associated service provider node (4c) identifies a plurality of service provider nodes (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) registered by the third network subscriber nodes (3); the verified identification number and the transaction data of the third network subscriber nodes (3) are transmitted to the associated service provider nodes (4c) via a fourth communication network; credit determined by the transmitted transaction data is reserved by associated service provider nodes (4c) for the second network subscriber nodes (2) and the reserved credit is confirmed by the associated service provider node (4c) to the third network subscriber nodes (3) via the fourth communication network; a transaction number is produced and is transmitted from the third network subscriber nodes (3) to the second terminal (1b) of the first network subscriber node (1) via the second communication network; the transmitted transaction number is inputted into the first terminal (1a) of the first network subscriber node (1) and the input transaction number is transmitted (S7′, S8; S7) to the third network subscriber nodes (3) via the third communication network; the transmitted transaction number is verified by the third network subscriber nodes (3) by comparing the previously produced transaction number with the third network subscriber nodes; and the credit reserved by the associated service provider nodes (4c) is confirmed by the third network subscriber nodes (3) via the third communication network to the second network subscriber nodes (2).

Description

PRIOR ART [0001] The present invention relates to a method for carrying out an electronic transaction. [0002] Although they may be applied to any transactions or operations and networks, the present invention and its underlying problems are explained with reference to a payment operation on the Internet. [0003] As is known, an Internet user frequently encounters the problem that he wishes to pay for a charging Internet page or goods and / or services from an Internet provider online without cash. For this, it is known practice to make electronic payments, particularly for sums of up to approximately EUR 10.00, on the Internet by credit card, by bank collection or prepaid cards using what are known as added-value service telephone numbers (0190, 0900, etc.). Although a certain minimum level of security can be ensured for this process by means of encryption methods, certification measures and revocation options at the bank, there nevertheless remains a residual risk of unwanted misuse o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In particular, the inventive method allows a standard transaction process for a plurality of service providers. Access is connected to the transactions, and hence no permanent registration is necessary. As technical platforms for the inventive electronic transactions, e.g. commercial business and services (digital products, Web access, downloads, news services, subscription services, added-value services, memberships, e.g. for members' areas, online forums, any file downloads, such as music files, videos, PDF files etc., ringtones, logos, wallpapers, vouchers, erotic contents etc.), it is possible to use WAP, UMTS and other wireless and wired communication paths in addition to the Internet and the mobile radio network.

[0010] For the provider node there is the advantage that the associated service provider node can look after the billing, and for the service provider node there is the advantage that the coordinator node takes management complexity and functional complexity away from it.

[0011] In addition, there is no need for sensitive data, such as account numbers or credit card numbers, to be interchanged between the network subscriber nodes. The inputs for arranging, i.e. validating, the transaction between the first network subscriber node and the second network subscriber node can be reduced to a minimum. The data records transmitted are not suitable individually for misuse, and therefore the protective measures for the data records themselves can be kept at a low level. There is no need to use an independent certification point. The transaction costs are negligibly low, which makes the method suitable even for the smallest payments.

[0012] A particularly preferred refinement of the inventive method is provided by the first all-embracing online payment system with variable amounts under standard ordering process without signing on, registering or logging in via all registered network operators. The billing amounts are collected by the service provider with which the end customer is registered through the next monthly mobile radio invoice or by prepaid card. Authentication of the end customer is ensured through delivery of the transaction number by SMS. This online payment system appeals precisely to these customers, since no registration is necessary, and allows uncomplicated electronic payment, particularly of small sums of up to approximately EUR 10.00, through a simple, anonymous and rapid process. Other advantages are safe identification of the terminal through delivery of a PIN via a channel which is separate from the web, debiting of the amount only following a successful operation and when the service has been provided, no duplicate debiting when an incorrect PIN is sent, no debiting of the mobile radio account if the validity period of the PIN expires, no disclosure of personal data, no input of the credit card number, encrypted transmission of the mobile radio number on the Internet and the fact that the payment operation can be completed in a few minutes and the customer can use the services or products which have been paid for at short notice.

[0013] The subclaims contain advantageous developments and improvements of the respective subject matter of the invention.

Problems solved by technology

As is known, an Internet user frequently encounters the problem that he wishes to pay for a charging Internet page or goods and / or services from an Internet provider online without cash.

Although a certain minimum level of security can be ensured for this process by means of encryption methods, certification measures and revocation options at the bank, there nevertheless remains a residual risk of unwanted misuse of this payment option by criminal third parties.

Almost all systems also require prior registration by the customer, which takes up several minutes of time.

A very large number of purchasers quickly lose patience in doing this, since the effort is too great, particularly for small sums.

They consider registration to be unnecessary, complicated, time-consuming and, furthermore, do not gladly wish to disclose their personal data.

Many people therefore abort the registration process and thus lose interest in the provided services or products overall.

This method has the drawback that critical personal data need to be transmitted in order to permit the customer check.

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